Priorities for research in marine mining technology.

Abstract

As a result of the increasing interest and activity in ocean mining, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requested the National Research Council to review the technology and technical services needed for the orderly development of an ocean minin0 industry and the methodology for determining the possible environmental impact of such activities. Accordingly, the Marine Board of the NRC appointed a special panel that initiated a study of the problems in June 1976 . The pane l studied technology and instrumentation, weather forecasting, navigation systems and the effect of ocean mining on the environment. The adequacy of present environmental impact statements was reviewed. Recommendations of the panel are elaborated in the report. (from Report summary)